Libya rebels: talks for loyalist town have failed

Negotiations over the surrender of one of Moammar Gadhafi's residual strongholds have collapsed, and Libyan rebels are waiting for the green light to launch their final attack on the besieged town of Bani Walid, a spokesman said.

Rebel negotiator Abdullah Kanshil said the talks had busted down after Moussa Ibrahim, Gadhafi's chief spokesman and a top aide, had insist the rebels put down their weapons before entering the town, some 90 miles (140 kilometers) southeast of Tripoli.

Rebel forces control most of the oil-rich North African nationand are previously setting up a new government, but Gadhafi and his staunchest allies stay on the run and enjoy support in several central and southern areas, as well as Bani Walid and the fugitive leader's hometown of Sirte.